AOD-9604
Also known as hGH fragment 176-191 · developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals
Taken into human trials and did not outperform placebo on its primary endpoint, or development was discontinued. This is stronger evidence than "untested" — it is evidence of absence, not absence of evidence.
What it is
A fragment of the C-terminus of human growth hormone, developed specifically as a weight-loss drug on the theory that the fat-metabolising properties of growth hormone could be separated from its growth effects.
How it is thought to work
Proposed to stimulate lipolysis and inhibit lipogenesis without the IGF-1 mediated effects of full-length growth hormone.
What the studies found
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Human trials did not show weight loss
A 12-week randomised placebo-controlled trial in obese participants found no significant difference in weight loss versus placebo. Development for obesity was discontinued.
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Encouraging animal data that did not replicate
Rodent studies had shown reductions in body fat. This is a clear worked example of animal results failing to carry over to humans.
What the evidence does not show
- This is a compound with a negative human result, not an untested one. The trial was done and it did not work for its intended purpose.
- Later interest concerned cartilage and osteoarthritis rather than fat loss, and did not reach approval either.
Reported risks and adverse effects
- Short-term tolerability in the obesity trials appeared acceptable — the problem was efficacy, not safety.
- No long-term safety data.
- Prohibited by WADA.
This is a summary of what has been reported in the literature, not a complete safety profile. For anything concerning your own health, speak to a doctor.
Regulatory status
Not approved as a medicine anywhere. Marketed in some places as a supplement ingredient, which regulators including the FDA have challenged.
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